Hornady Custom 44 Mag 240gr XTP Review
As an avid shooter and reload enthusiast, I was excited to try out the Hornady Custom 44 Mag ammunition. With its impressive 240 grain weight and XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) jacket, I was confident that this load would deliver exceptional performance. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, including its strengths and weaknesses.
Performance
I fired a total of 20 rounds through my trusty Marlin 444 rifle, and the results were impressive. The Hornady Custom 44 Mag ammunition performed consistently, with no misfires or jamming issues. The gun handled the load with ease, and the accuracy was impressive. I noted a slight increase in velocity, with an average of 1,400-1,500 feet-per-second (fps).
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Hornady Custom 44 Mag was standout. At 50 yards, I achieved groups of 1.5-2 inches, which is exceptional for a magnum caliber. The XTP jacket did an excellent job of expanding upon impact, leaving impressive wound channels and deep penetration.
Expansion and Penetration
As expected, the XTP jacket performed flawlessly, expanding to approximately 1.5 times the original diameter. This resulted in impressive wound channels and deep penetration, making it effective for both hunting and self-defense. I also observed consistent expansion upon impact, with the bullet retaining approximately 90% of its original weight.
Reliability
I experienced no issues with reliability, with the Hornady Custom 44 Mag feeding and functioning flawlessly through my Marlin 444 rifle. The load cycled smoothly, and the gun handled the recoil with ease.
Value
At an MSRP of $40.99 per 20-round box, the Hornady Custom 44 Mag ammunition offers excellent value. Its accuracy, expansion, and penetration make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.
Profession and Cons
Here’s a summarized list of the pros and cons I experienced with the Hornady Custom 44 Mag:
Pros:
• Accuracy: Exceptional accuracy, with groups of 1.5-2 inches at 50 yards
• Expansion and Penetration: Impressive wound channels and deep penetration, thanks to the XTP jacket
• Reliability: Functioned flawlessly through my Marlin 444 rifle, with no malfunctions or jamming issues
• Value: Excellent value for the price, with an MSRP of $40.99 per 20-round box
• Consistent Performance: Consistent velocity and accuracy throughout the 20-round box
Cons:
• Cost: While the value is excellent, some shooters may find the price point a bit steep
• Limited Calibers: The Hornady Custom 44 Mag is only available in 44 Magnum, which might limit its appeal for those seeking versatility
Conclusion
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with the performance of the Hornady Custom 44 Mag ammunition. Its exceptional accuracy, impressive expansion, and penetration make it an excellent choice for hunting and self-defense applications. While the cost may be a consideration for some shooters, the value is excellent considering the performance. If you’re in the market for a reliable, accurate, and effective 44 Magnum load, I highly recommend giving the Hornady Custom 44 Mag a try.
